sweeny

[ swee-nee ]

noun

, Veterinary Pathology.

1. atrophy of the shoulder muscles in horses.

sweeny

/ ˈswiːnɪ /

noun

1. vet science a wasting of the shoulder muscles of a horse, esp as the result of a nerve injury

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweeny¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30; compare dialectal German Schweine, Pennsylvania Dutch Schwinne “atrophy,” Old English swindan “to pine away, disappear”

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweeny¹

C19: probably from German dialect Schweine emaciation, atrophy

Example Sentences

Little Sweeny says, in his Irish brogue, 'I can march twic't as fur for the seein' av her!'

From Project Gutenberg

Around Sweeny, who garrisoned the left-hand wagon of the rearmost line, the fight was particularly noisy.

From Project Gutenberg

Little Sweeny, finding that his mule was being crowded by an Apache's horse, uttered some indignant yelps.

From Project Gutenberg

Sweeny instantly fired, and brought down another Apache, quite accidentally.

From Project Gutenberg

At that short distance Sweeny would hardly have missed; and the nearest Apache, leaning forward with outspread arms, fell dead.

From Project Gutenberg